“The connections you can make in Boston, as well as the opportunities in the surrounding areas here, are second to none in the media industry. Being at Curry, there are so many different ways to get your foot in the door early, at places like NESN, The Boston Globe and Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots and Revolution.”

Class of 2017 Welcomed at New Student Academic Convocation

September 4, 2013

Curry College President Kenneth K. Quigley, Jr., alumnus and keynote speaker Jason Ouellette '99, and several other Curry community representatives welcomed the Class of 2017 during Curry's New Student Academic Convocation on September 3, 2013.

The day began as faculty and staff lined the walkway to the Student Center to applaud the largest first-year class in the history of Curry College as they walked from North Campus and across Westhaver Park for the ceremony. Faculty members, adorned in traditional academic regalia, then joined the processional filing into the Student Center gymnasium.

The Curry College Pure Vocals club delivered a rendition of The National Anthem, before President Quigley delivered an inspirational message to the Class of 2017.

"We have great expectations for you. We have great expectations for your success. We have expectations for your service and contributions, both inside the classroom and outside the classroom. As you become members of this community, my advice to you, and my best advice for your success, comes down to two words: get involved."

"Experiencing college life for yourself is how you discover who you truly are, and how you end up a better person in four years time," Theodore said. "Don't just step out of your comfort zone-run out, you'll be surprised at what happens."

Faculty speaker Dr. Jeff Lemberg, Associate Professor of Communication, urged the Class of 2017 to embrace and pursue excellence during their four years on campus.

"The past does not prescribe the future; you make your own choices. Like myself, many of you are the first in your families to go to college, and in pursuit of your dreams each one of you has made a choice to join the Curry community. And we, the faculty, applaud you for that because you are off to a great start, but it is how you finish the journey that will ultimately define your time here. We call you the Class of 2017 because that's what we expect of you."

In his keynote speech, Jason Ouellette '99, a Vice President at Pan Communications in Boston, told students to embrace the next four years as a growth opportunity-much as he did.

"If you too, today, are feeling pangs of discomfort as you contemplate the unknowns, the uncertainties, the insecurities that come with this newness, this rawness of experience, know it's all good. In time, this strange place will feel like home," Ouellette said. "Standing here, 14 years later speaking to you, I guess you can say I continued to grow up and continue to grow up. If you're lucky you'll never really want to stop, because growing up means crafting a better version of yourself every day. I owe a lot of where I am today and who I have become to this College - Curry College is a part of me."

Ouellette also spoke about the importance of community, urging students to take advantage of the diverse opportunities Curry offers.

"Immerse yourself in real community. Even better, build it. Nourish it. Being part of and even building a real, meaningful community, of real live people talking, sharing and learning from each other, not just from behind a computer screen, is what will define your four years here. No matter what it is you choose to do outside of academics, do something. Integrate yourself into this wonderful college community because these classrooms and labs can and will only teach you so much. While I don't remember much from Calculus, my apologies to my Professor, it wasn't you, it was me, I do remember the rich fabric of community that nourished me here at Curry-the same fabric that brings me back numerous times a year, just to visit. By taking advantage of the small and large communities of individuals around campus, you will enhance your overall experience at Curry and will truly become part of the DNA that makes up this special place."

Following the keynote speech, Interim Chief Academic Officer Dr. Susan Pennini officially matriculated the members of the Class of 2017, who then stood proudly while senior Elton Silva, Student Representative of the Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society, led the recitation of the Curry Class Oath.